Witches, Wicca, Halloween, and The Samhein Tradition

Samhain or Samuin is the name of the festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter in Gaelic Ireland.  It is celebrated from sunset on 31 October to sunset on 1 November and has become linked with Halloween and All Saints Day.  Referenced in Old Irish Literature from the 10th Century,  it is found in the earlier Irish verbal tradition, and is probably pre-christian in origin.  The name derives from the same word as summer.  Some evidence suggests it served as the Celtic new year.  

.  

Ancient tradition held that the separation between the living world and the world of the dead was thinnest at Samhain, allowing the spirits to enter the world of the living.  Celebrations included the setting of places at table for the departed.  Wandering fairies crossed over as well and made mischief.   Twentieth century misinterpretation of history caused it to be linked with evil, black magic, witchcraft and the like. But that connection has no historical bases.  The relationship between Wicca and Samhain and/or neo-pagans originated with the revision of these movements in the 20th century.  Both groups incorporated Samhain (as a holy day in their contemporary belief system.